We are delighted to announce that we have awarded another £624,027 to new animal-free research projects.
The Humane Research Trust is excited to have pledged funding to four new projects at universities across the UK. These grants will support pioneering scientists to gain cutting-edge insights into a broad range of human diseases, using only humane, non-animal methods. This work will advance human health, whilst saving the lives of animals.
Learn about the groundbreaking projects we have recently pledged funding to:
Led by Margherita Bertuzzi, University of Manchester
Researchers are building a lung-on-a-chip platform to study deadly fungal infections like aspergillosis. By mimicking alveolar structure and immune responses, and using CRISPR gene editing and advanced imaging, they aim to uncover why antifungal immunity fails and develop better treatments.
Led by Dr Nick Peake, Sheffield Hallam University
The team is transforming surgical waste tissue into lab models of bowel cancer. By integrating different cell types within a human extracellular matrix scaffold, they’ll replicate the tumour micro-environment. This will enable researchers to test immunotherapies in conditions that reflect real human biology.
Led by Dr Yifan Li, Northumbria University
The researchers are developing an advanced organ-on-a-chip system that mimics the human retina’s dynamic environment. Using shape-changing elastomer–hydrogel surfaces, the team will recreate the mechanical and biochemical cues found in the eye, helping them to unlock new insights into age-related eye conditions.
Led by Dr Raymond Allan, De Montfort University
Using advanced cell cultures, the scientists are creating a model of the respiratory system that supports long-term infection and biofilm formation, enabling them to study infections like pneumonia and meningitis. This system will help identify new treatment strategies and reduce reliance on animal testing.
Here at the Trust, we are incredibly grateful to our community of supporters, whose generosity has enabled us to award this vital funding.
We are currently fundraising so we can continue to pioneer science that replaces animal research. If you would like to help us fund more research, please consider donating to our charity today.
